Texas 4-H Youth Development leader and program director, Chris Boleman, Ph.D., has been named executive director of agricultural competitions and exhibits at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“As a former junior exhibitor, cattle judge and contest superintendent, Chris is no stranger to the Show,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “A true champion of agriculture and youth development, his passion and experience will be a tremendous asset and we are excited to welcome him to our team.”
Boleman joins the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after a nine-year career with the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program. As assistant agency director and state 4-H leader, Boleman was responsible for all statewide Texas 4-H educational efforts. In this position, he oversaw 27 Texas 4-H faculty members.
Under his direction, and with the support of more than 25,000 volunteers, Texas 4-H educational efforts reached more than 570,000 youth in 2016.
Prior to his tenure with Texas 4-H, Boleman served a joint appointment with Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. As an extension specialist, and assistant and associate professor in the agricultural leadership, education, and communications department, his main responsibilities were to provide leadership to statewide strategic planning efforts, program development, evaluation and accountability for the agency.
While at Texas A&M, he served on 38 graduate student committees and is a four-time recipient of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Superior Service Award — the highest honor for an agency employee.
As an executive director for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Boleman will be responsible for managing and directing all aspects of agricultural operations, competitions, exhibits and auctions at the world’s largest livestock show. He will oversee all junior and open livestock competitions, a number of record-setting auctions, and all events and activities of the Rodeo Uncorked! wine show.
An author and nationally renowned speaker, he holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science and a doctoral degree in agricultural education, all from Texas A&M University.
“I am very proud to be joining the outstanding Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo team,” Boleman said. “My wife, Randi, and I have a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer relationship with the Show, and for me to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity is extremely exciting and humbling.”
Randi is one of the Show’s 33,000 volunteers and serves as a captain on the Communications & Special Services Committee.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.